My Budget Build

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

I will hopefully be building my PC in the next day or two. And would really appreciate any comments, and please do not comment on getting a graphcis card (most likely the GTX 960 if it is releases this month or next year, GTX970 or GTX 980 when I can afford it).

This is primarily for school work and web browsing at the moment, gaming will be secondary, and I will be editing during my free time.

If you have any comments on the build then don't hesistate to tell me. I have a red and black theme and would like Intel. If you believe I should buy better parts then do tell me too. However I can only spend $50 or less above the current price (AUD$1,280).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.00 @ Centre Com)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 57.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($54.00 @ PLE Computers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($135.00 @ Centre Com)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($102.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($124.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($115.00 @ Centre Com)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($169.00 @ Scorptec)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Essential Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.00 @ Centre Com)
Total: $1280.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 22:17 EST+1100

Novuake · Oct 10, 2014

Solid build, I would change nothing.

But you knew that.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Haha thanks for the reply. I would want to wait for a few more replies to have further confirmation.

sadams04 · Oct 10, 2014

Very solid build. My thoughts are below.

CPU Cooler - Not needed. Without overclocking the stock Intel cooler will be fine.
PSU - The Antec HCG is ok, but swapped to an Seasonic Gold offering.
Monitor - Changed to a 23" IPS panel.

Enjoy that build!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($135.00 @ Centre Com)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($102.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($124.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($114.21 @ Mwave Australia)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($115.00 @ Centre Com)
Monitor: LG 23EA53V-P 23.0" Monitor ($169.00 @ Scorptec)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Essential Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.00 @ Centre Com)
Total: $1232.19

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Thanks for the recommendation.

The reason why I had a last minute change to a CPU cooler is because I have heard Intel stock coolers are loud. So I added an aftermarket cooler to bring it down. I will remove it if you can really convince me to, which I would like to, to save the money and remove Noctua ugly design. It just doens't suit a red and black case.

I went with Antec because I needed a 600W at least for future upgrades. I don't know what the future beholds, so I am playing it "safe".

I will also require a monitor with built in speakers. So thanks for the recommendation mate.

Dat_Robot · Oct 10, 2014

I would go for the k version of that CPU and a msi gaming 5/7 as it offers better perfromance.

Novuake · Oct 10, 2014

Dat_Robot :

Not in the LEAST bit true, the actual performance boost of going for a better motherboard can literally not be measured within the margin of error that is inherent to bench marking.

If he will not overclock, he will not need the K-edition.

TomThePotato · Oct 10, 2014

I'd get a 970.. Nah, just kidding. Good build.

sadams04 · Oct 10, 2014

lightcloud :

CPU Cooler - The stock Intel coolers are fine. ..not loud at all. It is the stock AMD coolers that are loud and ideally should be thrown in the trash. Regardless, your case has a CPU cutout on the back so replacing either is fairly easy.

PSU - The Seasonic Gold 550w is a VERY nice unit and will handle all the upgrades that the Antec 620w would. At the same price level I would still go with the Seasonic. Either of those PSU's would allow for the largest single GPU to be installed (they are both playing it safe). Either one will suffice, but the Gold rating might net you a few dollars less from the wall in power consumption...

Monitor - Ok. 21" monitors just seem small to me... 23.1" / 24" are the "smallest" I aim for.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

I wouldn't be overclocking and most likely to upgrade when the perfromance wears out. And I would never touch MSI motherboards due to terrible QC.

Haha Tom, if I had the cash.

Anyways what games do you think I am able to run with integrated graphics card?

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Okay thanks sadams04 for your detailed response, I will be discussing your thoughts with the rest if you don't mind.

What do you guys think of the stock cooler? Quiet enough? Would it be as loud as the Noctua one I listed?

What are your thoughts on a 550W PSU? I will never plan to overclock any CPU (personal choice to not to). Will the 550W be able to handle future upgrades (e.g. Graphics card, CPU, etc)?

I know many people have said that 21" inch is too small. But it isn't to me as I have game on a laptop with a much smaller screen (14" or 15") and was perfectly fine with it. But if I had the money I would probably get a 144Hz monitor...

Hope everyone can have a say here. Tomorrow is the big day.

sadams04 · Oct 10, 2014

lightcloud :

Not many. The integrated HD 4600 is plenty for an office machine running dual monitors, but any type of gaming will bring it to its knees. With low settings you are still looking at very low framerates in most games (...that are GPU intensive anyway).

lightcloud :

Absolutely! That is what the forum is for...

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Haha. That was what I thought. But I was encouraged to play CS:GO with my friends. It is still playable as far as I knwo with great FPS (maybe 40-60FPS). My only evidence to this is my friend with a i7-4770K be fore he got his graphics card.

I think I will just go with an aftermarket cooler just for a quieter PC and cooler PC when gaming (till I get my GPU...).

Power supply? 550W or 620W. We all know 620W is more, but SeaSonic is better and probably the best.

TomThePotato · Oct 10, 2014

CS:GO was somewhat playable on Intel HD 3000 at lowest graphics, which you should do. (imo) So, you should be fine.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

How about your thoughts on the CPU cooler and CPU questions (questions are a post before yours)?

RazerZ · Oct 10, 2014

No need to waste money on an aftermarket cooler. As mentioned above, the stock coolers are quiet and should keep the cpu safely within operating temps.

Could go with this to reduce the wait time to get a dedicated GPU. The performance will be identical to your original build, asides from a slower boot time (SSD):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($99.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($115.00 @ Centre Com)
Monitor: ViewSonic VA2246M-LED 60Hz 22.0" Monitor ($119.00 @ Centre Com)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-KM6150 Wired Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($6.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Total: $963.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-11 11:00 EST+1100

CS:GO and any other games will definitely be playable on any haswell i5. There's barely a difference between an unlocked and overclocked i5, compared to a locked i5.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Thanks RazerZ. I will remove my aftermarket cooler (really hate brown... kind of a Noctua fan though).

Thanks for your thoughts. And one question about the PSU.

Power supply? 550W or 620W. We all know 620W is more, but SeaSonic is better and probably the best. I will probably most likely upgrade the CPU and GPU and nothing else. But I guess GPU will consume less power each time a new one is released.

RazerZ · Oct 10, 2014

550W will work well for future upgrades. You could even run a R9 290x off it if you wanted to. Not that I would recommend it though, just saying. If you can save money while still getting a decent psu, go for it.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Thanks sadams04 and RazerZ I will remove to he CPU a cooler.

Have you seen the SeaSonic 550W before? I saw a few images with a blue on it. I just mainly have a colour theme of black and red. I would probably just stick with the Antec for now (cheaper and red and black theme).

RazerZ · Oct 10, 2014

If you're paying more for the 550W Seasonic PSU, don't get it. Seasonic is the OEM for the Antec HCG 620W PSU. The HCG 620 is definitely a good psu.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

I will still be keeping the SSD. Final thoughts on this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($249.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($135.00 @ Centre Com)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($102.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($82.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($124.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.00 @ Mwave Australia)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($19.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($115.00 @ Centre Com)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($169.00 @ Scorptec)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN781ND 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($12.99 @ Mwave Australia)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Essential Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.00 @ Centre Com)
Total: $1226.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-11 11:30 EST+1100

RazerZ · Oct 10, 2014

I would still get the 4460. By identical performance I meant you'd see <1fps difference. Razer products are over hyped for what they are. There are cheaper monitors out there. Just my honest opinions.

The Viewsonic monitor is a good one, don't let the name fool you. Quote from someone who built with it" I also found this ViewSonic monitor at a really good price at TigerDirect. The picture quality is really good, just as good as my Asus VS247H-P in a quick visual comparison, and it has decent internal speakers to boot (saving another $10 off the price of the build)."

Everyone's experiences may differ, but I've had better luck with no name tvs/monitors than name brand ones.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Thanks for your experience RazerZ but I will stay with the same monitor. It has no HDMI port right, it is something I need because I already have tonnes at home.

Any recommendation for mechanical keyboard. Like I said work is my primary focus, so nice feeling for typing. Sory to bombard you with questions.

RazerZ · Oct 10, 2014

I don't have any experience with mechanical keyboard's besides a friend who has one with cherry mx red switches, so I wouldn't want to recommend one. Someone else would be better suited to answer that question.

lightcloud · Oct 10, 2014

Thanks. How about any recommendation on keyboards? One you used, or heard about that is good will be helpful.

Like I said gaming is secondary. I seem to like SteelSeries Apex Raw keyboard as I have their mouse already. So a pair will look pretty cool.

My Budget Build

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